Directed by:
Billy WilderCinematography:
John F. SeitzComposer:
Franz WaxmanCast:
William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Fred Clark, Franklyn Farnum, Jack Webb, Lloyd Gough, Cecil B. DeMille, Hedda Hopper (more)VOD (5)
Plots(1)
Billy Wilder directs this Oscar-winning classic expose of the Hollywood studio system. Struggling Hollywood writer Joe Gillis (William Holden) is attempting to avoid his creditors when he pulls his car into the garage of an apparently deserted mansion. He soon discovers that it is in fact the home of Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), an ageing actress who was once a star of silent films. Desperate for money, Gillis agrees to work on a screenplay adaptation of 'Salome' which Norma has written for her intended comeback. Gillis then gradually becomes trapped in Norma's bizarre fantasy world, and when he tries to leave her, she makes an attempt at suicide. The film also features silent screen legends Cecil B. DeMille, Buster Keaton and Erich von Stroheim in supporting roles. (Paramount Home Entertainment)
(more)Awards
- Winner
- Nominations
Academy Awards
- 1951 - Billy Wilder, Charles Brackett, D.M. Marshman Jr. (Best Original Screenplay)
- 1951 - Franz Waxman (Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score))
- 1951 - Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Black-and-White)
- 1951 - Best Motion Picture of the Year
- 1951 - Billy Wilder (Best Achievement in Directing)
- 1951 - William Holden (Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role)
- 1951 - Gloria Swanson (Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role)
- 1951 - Erich von Stroheim (Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role)
- 1951 - Nancy Olson (Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role)
- 1951 - John F. Seitz (Best Cinematography (Black-and-White))
- 1951 - Best Achievement in Film Editing
Golden Globes
- 1951 - Best Motion Picture – Drama
- 1951 - Billy Wilder (Best Director)
- 1951 - Gloria Swanson (Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama)
- 1951 - Franz Waxman (Best Original Score)
- 1951 - Billy Wilder, Charles Brackett, D.M. Marshman Jr. (Best Screenplay)
- 1951 - Erich von Stroheim (Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture)
- 1951 - John F. Seitz (Best Cinematography - B/W)
New York Film Critics Circle Awards
- 1950 - Best Film
- 1950 - Billy Wilder (Best Director)
- 1950 - Gloria Swanson (Best Actress)